The process of creating and launching a new brand can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming, requiring a healthy balance of creativity and logistics to ensure a smooth and seamless debut. At our Vancouver branding agency, we’ve had the pleasure of guiding several businesses through this journey with corporate branding services that go far beyond just the creation of a logo.
But with the considerable amount of time and costs involved in developing a brand identity that you (and your audience) is in love with, it’s important to create a game plan for how you’ll share it with the world to give your brand the positive spotlight it deserves off the hop. Whether it’s a launch party, an influencer collaboration, a social media campaign, press-related buzz, or other marketing activities that you have in mind for the big debut, White Canvas Design Agency is here to cheer you on and support you every step of the way–from inception to launch.
Here are five things our branding agency recommends considering for a smooth and successful brand launch:
1. start with the fundamentals
Before you make those grand plans for rolling out your brand to the public, make sure you have a clear sense of your brand’s core values, mission, and target audience. Take the time to define what your brand stands for and what makes it distinct from your competitors, then tailor your brand launch accordingly. Laying the foundation like this will guide every aspect of your brand launch and ensure that your messaging is consistent, authentic, and intentional.
One of the perks of working with our branding studio is having the opportunity to deep dive into your core audience, competitors, and positioning at the start of our collaboration. We use these critical components to inform our strategy before we develop your brand identity, ensuring that it’s aligned with your business objectives and unique value proposition. It’s a fun, key part of the client onboarding process that we use to support clients’ long-term success.
2. build anticipation with teaser content
Now that you’re crystal clear on your audience, and your brand kit is nearly (or already) finalized, you can start to focus on how you’re going to share your newly created (or reinvented) brand with the masses. Rather than giving everything away all at once, there are a number of creative ways you can build hype before you launch. Here are a few fun ways that you can tease the big reveal:
- poll or quiz your audience on social media: for businesses that are undergoing refresh, get your audience to vote on their favourite colour combinations, guess which graphic elements will be part of your new brand identity, and other fun, interactive
- create a countdown on your website, in email newsletters, or on your social channels in the weeks leading up to the official launch, dropping little hints and teasers along the way to build audience anticipation and pique their curiosity.
- offer a giveaway (or multiple giveaways) ahead of your launch to give your upcoming brand debut some extra attention and boost audience engagement. Building strategic partnerships with influencers or complementary brands can be a great way to expand the reach and visibility of these campaigns. Tie the entry guidelines with an action that supports your business objectives (ie: growing your email database, boosting your social following, etc.)
3. create memorable brand assets
While the logo, typography, and supporting graphics are at the core of your brand identity, so, too are your other visual assets (ie: photography and video content). High-quality, original visuals help establish a strong first impression that helps you stand out in a busy, crowded marketplace. Stock photography often falls short in this regard because it can feel generic and impersonal, lacking the unique touch that truly represents your brand’s identity. Custom photo and video assets, on the other hand, capture your brand’s essence in a way that resonates more deeply, building an emotional connection from the very start. Some of the different styles of photo and video content you can capture:
- team shots and behind-the-scenes action content: highlighting the people behind the brand to give your brand a more personal, relatable feel
- product content: highlighting your creations and its unique features
- lifestyle content: highlights your product or service in a social context
- architectural content: captures your storefront or at your headquarters
Feeling stuck when it comes to creating original content? Our social media management services include content production, filming, and editing in order to help you create thoughtful, timely assets that are sure to make a splash on social.
4. launch internally first
A successful brand launch begins from within. It’s essential that everyone involved—whether they’re in leadership, part of the team, or on the board—has a deep understanding of the new brand and how to communicate it effectively before it goes public.
Your team members are your brand’s frontline ambassadors, and they play a big part in bringing the brand’s story to life. For them to share the brand’s narrative authentically and compellingly, they need to fully grasp the essence of what’s new. By introducing employees to the brand’s core messaging—its purpose, mission, vision, and values—you set a clear framework and direction, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready to champion the brand’s new chapter.
For extra inspiration in this department, check out our recent blog post that walks you through how to streamline your branding across internal teams.
5. go big or go home
When it comes to maximizing your investment in your newly launched (or reintroduced) brand, we say go big or go home! Adopt a marketing strategy that reflects the diversity and energy of your brand, going above and beyond the bare basics by allocating some budget and time to a well-rounded approach. Consider where your audiences are most active and where you can make the most impact, and go from there. Some possible avenues to consider: digital advertising, traditional media, print ads, sponsored content, influencer collaborations, and community events. By going the extra mile and getting creative with your strategy, you’ll enhance your brand’s visibility and ensure your launch makes an even bigger splash.
Tip: After each campaign, always be sure to track and measure your results in order to determine which initiatives were worth the investment, and which ones were not as effective.
custom branding and design services in Vancouver
Ready to make your brand the next big thing? White Canvas Design Agency is here to help. Our custom branding and design services help businesses create a brand identity that is authentic, impactful, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Get in touch to share details of your upcoming project with us and to receive a custom quote.